What is the Circular Economy?
The Circular Economy is:
“A systems solution framework that tackles global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution. It is based on three principles, driven by design: eliminate waste and pollution, circulate products and materials (at their highest value), and regenerate nature.”
*If existing building reuse is not possible, we look to material reuse in various forms and from various sources before considering increasing the demand for new raw resource extraction.
Designing with Circularity in Mind
At TAJ Architecture Studio, we design according to Circular Economy principles. As such, the Resource Hierarchy guides our material choices.
We prioritize maintaining existing building materials and reusing existing (healthy) resources already in circulation over specifying new materials.
We consider the material extraction, length of life, maintenance, and end of life handling in our design and specifications.
Research
Taleen's work includes research on building material reuse as a method for reducing the industry’s negative environmental impact, with a proposed circular working method: “Form Follows Availability,” reviewing local waste streams, evaluating potential building materials and their applications, and considering material life cycles and chemical contents.
Leadership in Circular Economy for the Built Environment
Working Groups, Teaching & Peer-to-Peer Knowledge Sharing
In addition to research and practical applications, Taleen has collaborated with working groups to establish industry best practice for circular economy principles.
In August 2021, Taleen taught the Housing Studio at the (international) School of ReConstruction, hosted by Brighton University and the Interreg FCRBE program funded by the European Union.
She also served as a coordinator of the Architects Climate Action Network (ACAN) Circular Economy working group 2021-2022.
As part of ACAN, she helped put on the Circular Series, focusing on how circular economy principles can be practically applied within the context of the UK construction industry.